Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) application to cataloguing and classification in Nigerian libraries

Abstract

This paper presents an assessment of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) application to cataloguing and classification by catalogers at the “cat & class” workshop which took place in Badagri in 20017. Descriptive survey design was adopted for this study. A self-developed questionnaire was administered among cataloguers who attended the annual workshop of the Cataloguing and Classification section of the Nigerian Library Association (NLA) in Badagry, Lagos state, Nigeria. A total of 70 delegates responded to the survey, yielding a response rate of 62.5% out of the 112 registered participants who came from different parts of the country.Findings showed that cataloguers have embraced use of diverse library software and also utilise online catalogues for copy cataloguing. Further findings showed that Nigerian cataloguers have positive attitude towards ICT application in performing cataloguing and classification activities. The practical implication of this study is that ICT offers more efficient ways to carry out cataloguing and classification of library resources in Nigerian libraries and elsewhere. In terms of policy, this study lends support for policy formulation towards adequate provision of funds for ICT facilities in libraries. The paper provides information on the attitude of cataloguers towards ICT use in libraries.

Keywords: ICT, Cataloguing, Classification, Cataloguers, Nigeria, libraries, attitude